Well looky here a chapter that didn't 3 months to do. I'll try to get the next chapter up by mid to late August but I make no promises.

Chapter 4: The Straw Hats vs. The Marines

Present Day…

Ace was fuming in both the figurative and literal sense as he paced the ship's dock. He had been pacing for several minutes after hearing the crew's story about what had happened to his brother and quite frankly he was ready to rip someone's head off.

Franky was surprised when he first saw Ace's shoulder start to bubble as heat grew inside him and then pop with a loud hiss when a blast of hot air escaped and small simmering flames started dancing across his shoulders. He looked to Sanji who merely said "Devil Fruit abilities" Ah, that explained it. Franky was about ready to try calming Ace down when Zoro grabbed his shoulder and shook his head.

Franky was about to protest that Ace was going to start warping the deck soon if he didn't "cool down" but he took another look and decided to let the young man pace. "Kid needs something to vent his anger out on."

Zoro nodded. "I agree, but as much as I hate to admit it none of us are strong enough to take Ace down in a fight. Besides I can cut through a lot of things, but even I can't cut through fire."

Franky hummed while tapping the crook of his elbow. "Well then we'll need something for him to fight. Maybe a Sea King or-"

"Marines!" Nami shouted.

Everyone froze for just a second before running toward the bow of the boat. Ace stopped his pacing and grinned. "Perfect" He rushed along with the rest of the crew toward the front. Before the crew could figure out how to best handle the Marine fleet (which numbered around 35 good sized ships) Ace was already in the air yelling "Fire Fist!" smashing into the deck destroying the first of many.

"What an idiot." Nami muttered.

"Oh, let him have his fun," Robin smiled. "Besides we should be grateful those marines showed up, otherwise Ace might have killed us all in pent up anger. He was clearly just about ready to snap."

Nami turned to Robin with a serious expression. "When this is over I think we should have a discussion on whether or not Ace is fit to fight Blackbeard. Did you see his face? You could cut tension with a knife."

Before Robin could respond shouts of 'Watch out!' were heard as cannonballs began to sail toward the ship. Most were stopped by a swift kick from Sanji or a sword swipe from Zoro. The few that got past them were stopped by Chopper.

"Where are all of these cannonballs coming from?" Usopp asked no one in particular. "There hasn't been any cannon fire coming from the Marine Fleet."

Before anyone could protest the fact that maybe Ace's Fire Fist destroying ships might have drowned out cannon fire Robin spoke up. "He's right. I just put an ear on the ship all of the cannon balls are coming from and there is no cannon fire."

"Then how the hell are all these cannon balls coming at our ship?" A disgruntled Franky asked as he shot one down with a "Weapons Left" "I swear if they ding my new ship on her second day out at sea I will hurt whoever is sending them over here."

Robin began to put eyes on every ship that Ace had not destroyed and began to look around. She smiled slightly as one Marine spotted one of her many eyes and began to freak out. The young man (who looked like he had recently matured from boyhood) ran up to Robin's answer a large man with a dog-head covering and the shadow of a smile that surprisingly reminded her of Luffy was throwing cannonballs at ridiculous speeds.

"Sir we're being watched by eyes on the ship! And earlier I saw an ear!" The pink-haired being informed the dog-hooded man.

"Calm down Coby." The Vice Admiral commanded as he chucked another cannonball at the Going Sunny. "I'm trying to say hello to my grandson. In the meantime-"He continued pausing for a moment to point his finger at another ship being destroyed by Ace's Fire Fist. "Inform my other grandson that if he keeps destroying ships I will personally hold him responsible for paying for damages; not Whitebeard, him."

Robin, despite wanting to see more knew she needed to inform the rest of the crew what she had learned. Luffy and Ace's grandfather was a vice admiral and although she didn't see his face clearly she had a good idea as to who it was: Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp. She was honestly surprised that she didn't think of that sooner.

As she opened her eyes back in her real body she noticed the stares from Nami and Usopp. "Well, what's happening Robin?" They asked.

Robin merely shrugged her shoulders before responding. "Oh, nothing much; Luffy's grandfather is just saying hi."

"By shooting cannonballs at us?" Nami blanched.

"Actually he's throwing them."

There was a slight pause before Nami screamed. "That's even worse. Who can throw… Wait, what do you mean Luffy's grandfather?"

Line Break

Ace slammed another fiery fist onto the deck of another ship effectively breaking it in half. Honestly the Marines needed better shipwrights if this was what they were building. "Maybe I should send them to Water 7," he mused to himself. That was when he noticed a pink-haired marine trying to get his attention; the marine looked young and was shaking in his boots. Ace couldn't help himself, he leapt off the burning remains of the ship he just destroyed onto the railing of the next ship where the young marine was shouting. "Hi," Ace greeted with a small wave.

Coby shook in his boots at being so close to such a strong pirate, but then he let out a steady breath, found his courage, and looked him straight in the eye. "The Vice Admiral told me to inform you that if you destroy any more ships he will hold you personally responsible."

Ace was amused by this. He could take on any vice admiral this side of the Red Line. "And who might that be?" He asked.

"Hello Ace," a familiar voice sounded.

Oh. Crap. Ace looked up before barely dodging a cannonball that was surely infused with Haki. "Damn it old man are you trying to kill me!" Ace yelled as he used his fire abilities to dodge yet another cannonball.

"You're a pirate and I'm a marine Ace. Now hold still so I can kill you- Eh, where are my cannonballs?" He asked a generic looking private.

"We ran out sir. You threw them all." The private responded with a salute.

Ace watched in amusement as several other marines were working to hide extra cannonballs in the storage hold below deck. 'Perhaps some of these marines are smarter than I give credit for' he thought to himself. That was when he felt a fist more powerful than any cannon slam him in the chest. "Damn that hurt like hell!"

"Pay attention boy!" Garp yelled. "Don't tell me you forgot our training." Garp had honestly grown tired of throwing cannonballs at his grandson; it was almost nostalgic to use his "Fist of Love" against him. He stood above Ace who was starting to get up and brush off his pants. "Well Ace, did you finally come to your senses and left Whitebeard to join the marines?"

"As if, you old geezer." Ace retorted as fire consumed his hand a grin spread across his face. Despite how annoying (and scary) he was, Ace was really glad to see Garp because he knew that his grandfather could take being punched by him and there was a part in him that wanted Garp to knock him around some for not being able to stop Blackbeard. Of course that didn't mean that Ace was going to make it easy for him.

Line Break

Coby watched the fight hiding behind some crates along with Helmeppo who had been hiding ever since he spotted what he called "The Flaming Menace" destroy the first ship yelling "We're gonna die."

Coby watched fascinated as flame met Haki in a glorious explosion which made him shield his eyes. "Who is that?" He asked the shaking Helmeppo.

"You don't know?" Helmeppo asked incredulously. "That is 'Fire Fist Ace' second division commander of the Whitebeard pirates; very powerful and out of our league." He shook slightly.

"Did you know that he's related to Luffy?" Coby asked casually.

Helmeppo visibly blanched. "You mean that rubbery hellion that hit me?" He then paused. "Wait, how could you not know who he is and know that he is related to Luffy?"

Before Coby could answer, the crate in front of them burst into flames as Ace slammed into it at not quite full force for he had slowed the descent with heat. Slightly dazed by the splintering wood and intense heat Coby looked and saw that Helmeppo had taken the brunt of the attack and was currently on fire. Shit.

Unsure of what to do Coby reached out and grabbed Ace's shoulder which flared to life with heat. "What do you think you're doing?" Ace roared with a mixture of anger and confusion. "You'll get yourself killed trying to stop a battle between a pirate and marine."

Coby was undeterred by Ace's harsh words. In fact he was emboldened. He pointed to Helmeppo who was screaming in pain. "Help him." Coby demanded of the fire user.

Ace flinched very slightly as he saw the burning man. Being burned alive was a horrible way to go; it was how he lost Sabo. Ace reached out his palm and took in all of the fire off the burning man and into himself. "I hope your friend is alright. I've done all I can." Ace murmured softly.

Garp was quickly on the scene; Ace cued himself up for a fight, but found himself relaxing his stance when he saw Garp hold up his hand with an open palm. "Later," he then pointed to two soldiers. "Get him to the medical bay, the sooner those burns are treated the better." The two men nodded doing their best to put Helmeppo on the stretcher without hurting him too much. Helmeppo, to everyone's surprise only flinched at being handled, but everyone could see that he was fighting back tears to put on a brave face; it was quite admirable. Garp then looked to Coby and jerked a thumb in Ace's direction. "Make sure he doesn't go anywhere, I need to finish with him when I get back." He followed the privates toward the Med Bay.

Ace let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "He should be okay," he spoke to Coby directly. "Are you his friend?"

Coby gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. "I suppose you could… actually yes, we are friends," he finished with a light smile. "What about you, are you Luffy's brother?"

Ace gave a grin. "You know Luffy huh?"

Coby nodded sharply. "Yep, he saved me from Alvida and helped me follow my dream to become a Marine. In fact I… he fell asleep."

Coby looked around and noticed that for the most part he was alone on the deck. "Wouldn't be fair for me to capture him without letting him say goodbye to his brother first." He mused to himself under his breath. However, before he could even move towards Ace the young man shot up.

Ace looked toward Coby in confusion and slight hurt. "You weren't going to try to capture me while I was sleeping were you?"

Coby shook his head. "No I-"

"Because that wouldn't be very honorable"

"I agree, but-"

"And here I thought you were one of the very, very, very, few, minuscule even, marines that was good. Coby you disappoint me." He finished with a grin.

Coby stared at Ace for a brief moment before a grin came across his face. "You're a real piece of work… pirate."

"I'm the reason you have any work to begin with marine." Ace retorted.

Coby gave a medium laugh which died on his lips as he saw a large figure approaching.

"Having fun without me boys?" Garp had returned. He then pointed to Coby. "Helmeppo is in stable condition why don't you go visit him?" He then turned toward Ace who was trying to sneak away. "And where do you think you're going Ace? We have a battle to finish."

"No way Old Man, I'm out of here." Ace yelled as he prepared for flight turning his legs into fire, but his flight was cut short as a large hand grabbed him and slammed him against the deck of the warship.

"Don't think you can fly away from me that easy Ace." Garp snarled playfully as he slammed his fist onto the deck, for Ace had managed to wriggle out of his grandfather's powerful grasp with a torrent of flame.

Coby gave a sigh before looking toward a life boat. This fight could take a while; 'perhaps I should take the opportunity to see Luffy and Zoro' he thought to himself. He then began to walk toward the boat. The old Coby would never do something like this. He would have cowered in fear and retreated below deck the second Ace showed up, but thanks to Luffy and Garp he was becoming more and more brave. 'I have to see them and thank them. Find out how much closer he is to his dream, because he helped me with mine.' He then lowered the boat to the slightly churning water below and began to row.

LINE BREAK

Several moments passed before the Straw Hats realized that cannonballs were no longer being thrown in their direction, but that didn't mean that they relaxed any. In fact they were tenser than before. Why had the cannonballs stopped coming? Did the marines run out? Where was Ace? Had he been captured?

"We should go after him," Nami said with worry. "Of course by that, I mean Zoro should go after him."

Zoro frowned crossing his arms. "I don't think so. Ace can handle himself just fine."

"No he can't," Nami argued with a slight hint of bite in her voice. "Zoro, you were there in Alabasta, so you know how close he and Luffy are. After the story we told him who knows what psychological damage there is."

Zoro tensed his shoulders for a moment before relaxing his posture. "Look, I'm not saying that Ace is in the best place in his mind, but that doesn't he can't fight. Hell I do some of my best fighting when I'm at a low point," he offered with a casual shrug. Then he felt everyone stare at him, and his posture became defensive again. "What?" He snapped.

"You just offered Nami comfort," Usopp stated slowly.

"I did not." Zoro responded curtly.

'Oh yes you did," Sanji responded with a laughing smile. Though he was slightly jealous, seeing Zoro become flustered over something that anyone else would consider trivial was too enjoyable to pass up.

Zoro turned slightly red as he heard soft giggles coming from Franky and Robin. Surprisingly the only ones that were quiet throughout the ordeal were Nami and Chopper. In fact speaking of Chopper, where was he?

"Guys there is a marine heading this way." Ah, there he was, standing on the port side of the ship looking out. Zoro mentally slapped himself, they had become distracted by frivolous things and there was a marine coming right toward them.

Everyone tensed slightly and ran toward port where Chopper was and looked over the side seeing a young marine rowing toward them in a small dingy. "He's insane," Nami pointed out. "Rowing toward a pirate ship in the Grand Line is just stupid."

"I hope he makes it," Chopper said in worry.

"You want him to make to the ship Chopper?" Robin asked curiously.

Chopper nodded in the affirmative. "Anyone who is willing to come to our ship in the Grand Line from a marine ship by themselves is very brave and we should at least give him the chance to meet us."

Usopp grinned. "Yeah and if he turns out bad, then Sanji here can kick his ass since we have just discovered that Zoro is a big softie."

Sanji laughed loudly and Zoro shot both him and Usopp a glare so intense it was like he was trying to bore holes into them. "I will murder both of you, slice you up and send you back from whence you came."

While Zoro chased Sanji and Usopp round the ship Robin walked right up to Nami. "Did Zoro's words give you comfort?" She asked the Navigator.

Nami gave a soft smile and nodded slightly. "Actually, he did in his own weird way."

Robin smiled. "Well I suppose I better find out what the young marine wants with us." And with that Robin closed her eyes in concentration and started forming a clone in the boy's boat.

LINE BREAK

Despite his earlier bravado Coby was finding it more and more difficult to row a dingy from the Marine fleet to Luffy's new ship which he became more awed by the closer he got to it. 'I should have thought this though what was I thinking these waves are going to crash my boat'

At that a pair of eyes, ears, and a mouth appeared on the boat. "Ah you're the marine that is following us," a melodious voice chuckled.

Coby gave a small shriek before realization dawned on him. "Hey, you're those eyes that I saw earlier on the ship. Who are you?"

Before Coby knew it the simple face transformed into a full bust from the shoulders up. "Nico Robin, member of the Straw Hat pirates." She indicated with a slight bow of the head.

Coby gave a slight shudder then smiled. "You know, I've been on the Grand Line for several months and seeing people with Devil Fruit abilities still freaks me out."

Robin gave a quirk of the lips before returning to a more neutral expression. "So, why are you following us?"

"Oh, well I wanted to see Luffy again. See he helped me to become a marine. It has always been a dream of mine and Luffy gave me the push I needed."

Robin gave a smile at the boy's soft smile and expression. "Then let's meet you half way, I will have the ship come towards you, so be ready."

Coby gave a grateful smile. "Thank you Nico Robin, by the way my name is Coby."

Robin gave a slight nod indicating that she understood and left the small boat leaving Coby once again alone in the middle of the Grand Line between a pirate ship and a fleet of Marine ships.

LINE BREAK

Robin returns to the deck with a smile as Zoro is still chasing Sanji and Usopp around the deck, Franky is at the helm looking at Robin awaiting what she had to say, Chopper and Nami were looking to her with equally wondering expressions.

"Well, did you take care of the Marine?" Nami asked.

"Actually I invited him aboard the ship."

This revelation caused Chopper to smile and Nami to ask "Why?" in a loud incredulous voice.

This only caused Robin to respond, "He's a friend of Luffy's." Of course Luffy has a friend in the Marines the others think in exasperation. "Now let's go meet Coby."

This causes Zoro to stop chasing Sanji and Zoro for a moment to look at Robin curiously. "Did you say Coby?" Robin nodded causing Zoro to grin and sheath his swords. "Well then let's go get him." The fact that Zoro also knew this marine caused the others to begin questioning how but Sanji and Usopp were just grateful that Zoro had stopped chasing them.

Franky smiled and began steering the Going Sunny toward the dingy. "We'll need to be careful, Robin could you put some eyes on the bottom of the ship so I don't accidentally run him over?" Robin affirms that she will and looks out for Coby. As they approach the Dingy guided by Franky's steady hand and Robin's watchful eyes Usopp and Zoro head back to meet Coby; Usopp to work the dock leveler and Zoro so that the young marine had a familiar face to see.

When Coby rises from the bottom of the deck Zoro is no less than shocked at what he sees. The boy who was formerly meek and constantly shaking was standing taller with a straight back and had an air of confidence around him despite being on a pirate ship. Zoro is honestly impressed; the marines were a good choice for him.

His genuine happiness for Coby is brought cashing down by a simple question. "Hey Zoro I'm happy to see you again. Now where's Luffy?"

LINE BREAK

Garp dodges yet another kick to the head from his grandson. Despite his large size the old vice admiral is surprisingly agile and has not slowed down one bit in all of his years. When a captain under him asked why he hadn't retired yet Garp merely laughed saying that he would retire when he was dead. Garp had fought Ace many times on the Grand Line when he first started out as a pirate and at first his fighting style was wild and unrefined, like a child raised in the jungle. Then his fighting became more refined and precise after he ate the Flame Flame Fruit most likely due to how much the boy had to focus and practice to control such a fruit.

When he joined Whitebeard Garp had only seen his grandson a couple of times after that moment, due to his history with Whitebeard many of the higher-ups didn't want Garp anywhere near the pirate, so his fighting with Ace stopped for a long time and when he randomly found Ace near Fishman Island on the New World side he couldn't help himself and fought Ace with everything he had and Ace had defeated him handily. Garp couldn't have been more proud.

So it is with confusion and a bit of sadness that Garp lands yet another haki-infused punch to Ace's gut sending him careening to the crates that littered the deck from their fighting. Garp is certain that the boy is in pain as he has flinched several times holding his ribs which were probably cracked and Garp noticed that he was heavily favoring his right side which probably meant a broken bone in his left leg, or maybe it was just a sprain.

Flames encircle Ace as he sends yet another fiery tornado toward Garp who this time only barely manages to dodge out of the way leaving his coat singed with an ashen gray. He frowns, Sengoku is going to mad at him for ruining another vice admiral coat. His momentary distraction is enough for the fire-wielder to land a solid flame-filled punch to his grandfather's right side sending the large man over the edge of the boat. Luckily Garp has the sense to grasp the railing and haul himself up and over onto the deck.

"Ace, what is up with you? That punch should have had me careening out to the middle of the ocean; I thought you were a Whitebeard pirate. Hell, I bet even Luffy could beat you" Garp teased, hoping to get his grandson riled up, but instead it had the opposite effect. Ace's shoulders sagged, his eyes grew dim and he leaned dejectedly against the cabin. Well that was unexpected.

"Luffy…" Ace breathed out shakily.

This immediately set off alarm bells in Garp's brain. What happened to his precious grandson? He was going to kick his ass for becoming a pirate and drag him off that God forsaken pirate ship and make him into a marine. 300 Million Beli bounty be damned. "What happened to Luffy?" Garp demanded of Ace.

Ace looked his grandfather square in the eye as if searching for something that would tell the boy that no matter what Ace said, Garp would be strong enough and capable enough of making everything better. "Luffy has been taken by Blackbeard."

Garp had never been more confused in his life. Who was Blackbeard? Why did Ace know him? The only thing the vice admiral could do was tilt his head in confusion. This of course made Ace sigh and begin his story. "Well a few months ago…"

LINE BREAK

"And that's pretty much what happened." Usopp summed up.

To say Coby was baffled was an understatement. After he had arrived on the boat Zoro had led him up to the deck and briefly introduced him to everyone. Surprised that Luffy had not come out of the woodwork Coby ha once again asked where his rubbery pirate friend was and then everyone got the same grim expression Zoro had and they each took turns telling an abridged set of events that occurred over the past 5 days.

Coby rubbed his bottom jaw thoughtfully. "Well if Blackbeard was taking Luffy to Marine headquarters then they would be arriving soon."

"How soon?" Robin asked curiously.

"Very, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if they arrived there now. Hell they probably got an escort. There's extra marine security 75 miles out from headquarters and Impel Down after the stunt you guys pulled at Enes Lobby." Coby responded with a slight frown. "You guys have been causing a lot of trouble."

This caused the Straw Hats to look at each other and smile. Too bad Luffy wasn't with them he would love to hear this kind of praise from a friend. It was then Nami who spoke. "Is there any way of knowing whether or not Luffy has been taken to Marine Headquarters now?" She asked.

Coby looked thoughtful for a moment and then a smile spread across his face. "Actually there is. Wait here for just a moment." He then proceeded to head toward his dingy and pulled out a baby Den Den Mushi. "This is a transponder snail that when activated can send out a signal to Marine Headquarters letting them know where a marine lost at sea is. It also gives up to date information about all sorts of things, which I am not at liberty to divulge, but I can say that it gives information on prisoner exchanges and bounties collected."

"So it's basically a private military radio." Robin concluded.

"Would be pretty helpful to a pirate. Might be able to sell it on the Black Market for a pretty penny." Sanji offered casually with a drag of a cigarette. This of course caused Nami to grin with Beli eyes and stare at the snail with greed.

"Don't even think about it witch." Zoro growled. "I'm not letting your greed get in the way of his dream. In fact he's risking a lot just by coming here and helping us."

Nami immediately lost the Belis in her eyes and her shoulders slightly slumped. He was right; Coby was risking a lot by doing this for them. "All right, let's find out if that idiot of ours has been taken into the marines."

LINE BREAK

Garp paced the deck angrily, shoulders hunched and a grim expression on his face. Ace watched him for several moments, he had never seen his grandfather look so distressed, not even when he ran across him after joining Whitebeard. Finally Garp stopped and looked at Ace pointedly. "He's not at headquarters or Impel Down."

Ace frowned. "How do you know that?"

"Because I have an agreement that if either you or Luffy are taken in, I am to know immediately, no matter what." Garp replied. "Besides there is one thing I don't understand, if Blackbeard wanted to gain notoriety with the marines your head would be much more valuable, unless…"

Ace's eyes looked to Garp with suspicion. "Unless what?" He asked.

"Never mind, I need to make a phone call. In the mean time you need to get out of here." Garp waved his hand in dismissal.

Ace was slightly surprised. "You're letting me go?"

"Bring back my private and I can say in my report that it was a prisoner exchange." Garp countered. "And yes, I did know about Coby going to Luffy's ship. Boy won't stop talking about my grandson, plus there is a dingy missing." Garp noted.

Ace was honestly impressed. "Gee Grandpa when did you become so observant?" He asked.

Garp's eyes merely shadowed over. "Ace, I know you're worried about Luffy, but look at what he's accomplished. His spirit won't break so easily." Garp then gave a grin. "We won't let it."

Ace smiled and then flew off while Garp went to make a phone call.

LINE BREAK

"…captured by Commander Scrap Iron, bounty 143 Million Belis" the broadcast concluded.

Coby turned off the radio and sighed. "Well…"

"He's not with the marines." Ace finished having landed on the railing. Everyone looked to the fire-user in surprise.

"Ace!"

"You're back."

Coby shot the young pyro a grin. "Your grandpa actually let you go."

Ace grinned. "Actually he called for a prisoner exchange."

Coby's shoulders slumped slightly. "I'm in trouble aren't I."

Ace shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows it's hard to tell with him. Either way we should probably get going so that we…" He gestured to all of the Straw Hats. "… can get out of here before the old geezer does something crazy and change his mind."

Coby nods before heading off with Ace, but Zoro stops him after noticing he had left the Den Den Mushi sitting on the deck. "Hey don't you want your snail?"

Coby shakes his head. "Keep it, it might help in your search for Luffy. Just keep it on channel 6 for the Bounty Broadcast and don't change it."

Zoro along with the rest of the crew nodded in agreement while Ace and Coby headed back to the ship in the dingy together. As it would only be considered a proper prisoner exchange if they were both there.

After being dropped off and sneaking Coby back onboard of the Marine warship in hopes that the boy wouldn't get into too much trouble, Ace returned to the Going Sunny without much resistance. "Let's get out of here, before my old man decides that it's better to bring me in than save Luffy," he piped in.

This of course caused the others to look to Ace in slight confusion. "You're grandfather, the vice admiral that took down the pirate king, is letting you, a notorious pirate go and helping us save Luffy?" Usopp asked questioningly.

Ace gave a noncommittal shrug. "I think so, but as I have said before it is difficult to tell with him. Either way we should get out of here."

Franky gave a grin. "Would you say that we need a quick get away?" Ace nodded in the affirmative. Franky rubbed his hands together in glee. "This is going to be fun. Be sure to hold onto something everyone, this ship is about to fly."

"I swear if we all wind up flying into the ocean again like last time you told us to something I will kick your ass to Skypea." Sanji glowered at the cyborg.

Franky began pouring barrels of cola into the tank. "Don't worry I'm 68% certain that nothing will happen. Most likely. Maybe."

"You don't sound too certain Franky." Usopp pointed out with a shaky voice that contained both fear and excitement.

"Well, only one way to find out. Coup de Burst!" He yelled. Everyone began screaming in joy and panic as the ship began to speed far away out of reach of the marines and Garp's craziness.

Once they were far away and could peel themselves off of the various items tha they held onto for dear life. Everything was unusually calm, and then Usopp asked the question that was on everyone's mind. If Luffy isn't with the Marines then where is he?